Phyllis Greenberger to appear on thegrouproom.tv this Sunday, June 7th.
From 2002 to 2008, reports from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) claimed that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly increased the risks of breast cancer development, cardiac events, Alzheimer disease, and stroke. These claims alarmed the public and health professionals alike, However, the actual data in the published WHI articles reveal that the findings reported in press releases and interviews of the principal investigators were often distorted, oversimplified, or wrong. This Sunday, The Group Room will host an in depth discussion with one of the lead authors of a recently published article in The Cancer Journal, Hormone Replacement Therapy: Real Concerns and False Alarms. The program will get behind the controversy surrounding this subject with a noted medical oncologist, along with Phyllis Greenberger, President and CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research. Whether you’re a woman who has had cancer or not, this program will have relevance for you. Click here to find where you can tune in this Sunday, June 7th.
Co-moderating this feature broadcast with host Selma R. Schimmel, CEO & Founder of Vital Options International, will be special guest Avrum Z. Bluming, M.D. Dr. Bluming is a Master of the American College of Physicians; Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California; former senior investigator for the National Cancer Institute; an oncologist in private practice. Dr. Bluming is highly recognized for his research in the area of hormone replacement therapy, and in particular, as it relates to breast cancer. Along with Carol Tarvis, Ph.D., social psychologist and Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, their recently published article highlights the history of research on HRT, including a timeline of studies that have or have not found a link between HRT and breast cancer; discusses how to distinguish important, robust findings from those that are trivial, and closely examines the WHI findings on HRT and breast cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease, cognitive functioning, and quality of life issues.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Society Launches the Know My Bones Public Education Campaign
Osteoporosis, which is characterized by loss of bone mass leading to increased risk of fracture, affects 8 million women and two million men. By 2010, nine million women over age 50 are expected to have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis-related fractures are a main cause of disability and mortality in the United States. A woman's risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.Osteoporosis can significantly affect a woman's health and independence as she ages. To raise awareness about this serious condition, the Society for Women's Health Research has become a founding member of the Know My Bones Council. Below is the first of the Council's newsletters. It highlights the findings of a recent survey commissioned by the Council. Please read on to learn how osteoporosis is affecting real women's lives and what you can do to protect yourself and the women you love from the devastating effects of osteoporosis.
To learn more information about the Know My Bones campaign, please visit the Society's Website.
Economic Downturn Is Driving Many Osteoporotic Women to Retire Later - But Their Ability to Work May Be Undermined by Sub-Optimal Management of Their Disease
Results from a new Harris Poll commissioned by the Society and the Know My Bones Council found that one-out-of-five women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) are retiring later than anticipated and nearly half (48 percent) blame the current economy. Despite the need to work longer, half of the women with PMO are fearful that the disease will limit their ability to work. Read more...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
SWHR Recognizes Past and Current Board Members’ Contributions to Women’s Health
Press Release
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2009
Contact: Karen Young
Email: karen@womenshealthresearch.org
Phone: 202.496.5001
SWHR Recognizes Past and Current Board Members’ Contributions to Women’s Health During National Women's Health Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Society for Women’s Health Research, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization, has had dozens of forward-thinking, accomplished women and men on its board of directors since it was founded in 1990. These individuals are invited to the board because of their interest in advancing women’s health research, education, and advocacy. In honor of National Women’s Health Week, the Society recognizes former and current board members and their contributions to women’s health.
Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., was a member of the Society’s board of directors from 1994-2000. She has recently been appointed to the position of Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Pfizer Inc. Lewis-Hall will be the senior physician in the company, responsible for enterprise-wide medical, patient safety, regulatory affairs and quality assurance as well as outreach to doctors and other medical professionals.
“Dr. Lewis-Hall brings a unique perspective to Pfizer, having worked in large and small biopharmaceutical companies, in government, in academia, and in direct patient care and patient advocacy,” said Phyllis Greenberger, M.S.W., president/CEO of the Society. “She has special sensitivities, having a doctor’s compassion, a leader’s vision and a researcher’s love of science and medicine.”
Nanette K. Wenger, M.D., professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, served on the Society’s board of directors for nine years (2000-2009), most recently as chair. Wenger recently received the distinguished Master award by the American College of Cardiology. This is the organization’s highest honor.
Established in 1998, only four Master designations from peer nominations are awarded each year. Wenger, a professor of medicine in the School of Medicine’s Division of Cardiology and chief of cardiology at Grady Memorial Hospital, was recognized for her pioneering clinical and research efforts in revealing cardiovascular disease as the number one killer of women in the United States.
Carol Nadelson, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, is currently serving as the secretary for the Society’s board; her term is through 2010.
Nadelson has been chosen as the recipient of the Alma Dea Morani, M.D. Renaissance Woman Award for 2009. This Award honors an outstanding woman physician or scientist in North America who has furthered the practice and understanding of medicine in our lifetime and made significant contributions outside of medicine, for example, in the humanities, arts or social sciences; whose determination and spirit have carried her beyond traditional pathways in medicine and science; and who challenges the status quo with a passion for learning.
Laurie Zoloth, Ph.D., professor of medical humanities and bioethics of religion, Northwestern University, has been awarded the Deering McCormick Professorship. This is Northwestern’s highest recognition for distinguished teaching. Zoloth’s term on the Society’s board started in 2004. She is slated to serve until 2010.
###
For more information on the Society for Women’s Health Research contact Karen Young, communication and events manager, at 202-496-5001 or karen@womenshealthresearch.org.
The Society for Women’s Health Research is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through advocacy, education and research. Founded in 1990, the Society brought to national attention the need for the appropriate inclusion of women in major medical research studies and the need for more information about conditions affecting women disproportionately, predominately, or differently than men. The Society advocates increased funding for research on women’s health; encourages the study of sex differences that may affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease; promotes the inclusion of women in medical research studies; and informs women, providers, policy makers and media about contemporary women’s health issues. Visit the Society’s Web site at www.womenshealthresearch.org for more information.
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2009
Contact: Karen Young
Email: karen@womenshealthresearch.org
Phone: 202.496.5001
SWHR Recognizes Past and Current Board Members’ Contributions to Women’s Health During National Women's Health Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Society for Women’s Health Research, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization, has had dozens of forward-thinking, accomplished women and men on its board of directors since it was founded in 1990. These individuals are invited to the board because of their interest in advancing women’s health research, education, and advocacy. In honor of National Women’s Health Week, the Society recognizes former and current board members and their contributions to women’s health.
Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., was a member of the Society’s board of directors from 1994-2000. She has recently been appointed to the position of Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Pfizer Inc. Lewis-Hall will be the senior physician in the company, responsible for enterprise-wide medical, patient safety, regulatory affairs and quality assurance as well as outreach to doctors and other medical professionals.
“Dr. Lewis-Hall brings a unique perspective to Pfizer, having worked in large and small biopharmaceutical companies, in government, in academia, and in direct patient care and patient advocacy,” said Phyllis Greenberger, M.S.W., president/CEO of the Society. “She has special sensitivities, having a doctor’s compassion, a leader’s vision and a researcher’s love of science and medicine.”
Nanette K. Wenger, M.D., professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, served on the Society’s board of directors for nine years (2000-2009), most recently as chair. Wenger recently received the distinguished Master award by the American College of Cardiology. This is the organization’s highest honor.
Established in 1998, only four Master designations from peer nominations are awarded each year. Wenger, a professor of medicine in the School of Medicine’s Division of Cardiology and chief of cardiology at Grady Memorial Hospital, was recognized for her pioneering clinical and research efforts in revealing cardiovascular disease as the number one killer of women in the United States.
Carol Nadelson, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, is currently serving as the secretary for the Society’s board; her term is through 2010.
Nadelson has been chosen as the recipient of the Alma Dea Morani, M.D. Renaissance Woman Award for 2009. This Award honors an outstanding woman physician or scientist in North America who has furthered the practice and understanding of medicine in our lifetime and made significant contributions outside of medicine, for example, in the humanities, arts or social sciences; whose determination and spirit have carried her beyond traditional pathways in medicine and science; and who challenges the status quo with a passion for learning.
Laurie Zoloth, Ph.D., professor of medical humanities and bioethics of religion, Northwestern University, has been awarded the Deering McCormick Professorship. This is Northwestern’s highest recognition for distinguished teaching. Zoloth’s term on the Society’s board started in 2004. She is slated to serve until 2010.
###
For more information on the Society for Women’s Health Research contact Karen Young, communication and events manager, at 202-496-5001 or karen@womenshealthresearch.org.
The Society for Women’s Health Research is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through advocacy, education and research. Founded in 1990, the Society brought to national attention the need for the appropriate inclusion of women in major medical research studies and the need for more information about conditions affecting women disproportionately, predominately, or differently than men. The Society advocates increased funding for research on women’s health; encourages the study of sex differences that may affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease; promotes the inclusion of women in medical research studies; and informs women, providers, policy makers and media about contemporary women’s health issues. Visit the Society’s Web site at www.womenshealthresearch.org for more information.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Society News
The OSSD issues call for proposals
The OSSD Programs Committee is issuing a call for proposals for symposia at the Fourth Annual Meeting to be held on June 3-5, 2010 in Ann Arbor, MI. The deadline for submitting symposium proposals is May 22, 2009. Please visit the Symposium Proposal Guidelines page to view the specific requirements and submit a proposal.
The OSSD is also accepting late-breaking poster abstracts for the 2009 Annual Meeting. Theses late-breaking abstracts will not be published in the program book but will be distributed at the event. The deadline for submission is April 30, 2009. Please click here to submit an abstract online.
Society Calendar
OSSD Third Annual Meeting
June 4-6, 2009
Toronto, ON
OSSD's Third Annual Meeting will take place on June 4–6, 2009 in Toronto, ON Canada at the Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel. This exciting 3-day meeting will offer scientists from across all biomedical fields the opportunity to present, network, and discuss sex differences research. To view the official agenda, register, book a hotel room, or learn more about the meeting, visit the OSSD website at www.ossdweb.org and click on the 2009 Annual Meeting page.
News Bites
Diuretic may put women at risk
Results from a study focusing on whether loop diuretics increased a woman's risk of falls, broken bones and bone density problems found that women who took these medications for three or more years were at a 16 percent increased risk of suffering a broken bone, when compared with similar women who had not taken the drug. Loop diuretics are commonly used to control blood pressure. Read more...
Electrical Implant Might Help With Bladder Control
For certain women with bladder control issues, an electrical device implanted near the tailbone may provide some relief. A review of trials of the device found that it was effective primarily for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder and with no known obstruction who had failed other methods of treatment. Read more...
Scientists discover way to jumpstart bone's healing process
Orthopaedists may soon have a new tool at their disposable to deal with many common, painful bone ailments including the tens of thousands of painful fractures for which there is no treatment. Results from a new study shown that a drug which was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of osteoporosis can also boost our bodies' bone stem cell production to the point that adults' bones appear to have the ability to heal at a rate typically seen when they were young kids. Read more...
Emerging advances in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke
Stroke is the third leading cause of death for women in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, each year, approximately 55,000 more women than men will have a stroke. Strokes kill more than twice as many women than breast cancer each year and are the leading cause of disability in women. Rarely fatal, often disabling, strokes have a long-term impact on women's productivity, ability to care for families, and independence. Researchers are exploring new methods to treat acute stroke and developing innovative therapies to minimize disability in stroke survivors. Read more...
Rising to the challenge: NIH will use $60 million in recovery act funds
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will commit roughly $60 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support autism research and meet objectives set forth earlier this year by a federal advisory committee. The Request for Applications is the largest funding opportunity for research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to date and, combined with other ARRA initiatives, represents a surge in NIH's commitment to finding the causes and treatments for autism. For a full listing of possible study topics, see the grant announcement listing in the NIH Guide.
Bill would expand health care for female veterans
The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 was introduced by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and would require counseling, improve women's health care programs and provide a pilot program for child care services. According to Sen. Murray, there are approximately 1.8 million female veterans who, according to VA data, are receiving "lower quality care" than men receive. For more information about the bill, click here.
Conflicts of interest in clinical research
Finder's fees, where research sponsors pay members of the research team or clinicians to identify potential participants or for meeting predetermined enrollment targets, are a potential source of conflict of interest in the research process. In a study of IRB policies at 117 medical schools that received NIH funding, Leslie Wolf, an associate professor of law at Georgia State University, found that less than half of the IRB policies discuss finder's fees or bonus payments as conflicts of interest. The study also revealed that that only 26 of the IRBs in the study mentioned potential conflicts when physicians recruit their own patients and that only four percent ask doctors to tell their patients that they are not obligated to participate. Read more...
Amniotic fluid may provide new source of stem cells for future therapies
In a new study to be published in Blood, the journal of the American Society of Hematology, researchers have discovered that amniotic fluid may be a source of embryonic stem cells. Stem cells harvested from amniotic fluid were able to generate blood cells that may be used in future therapies. Read more...
New Study Suggests Rx Estrogen Delivery Through the Skin May Show Safety Benefits as Opposed to Oral Delivery
A study from researchers at NYU Longone Medical Center found that transdermal delivery of estrogen therapy might be safer than estrogen taken orally for women with clotting disorders. These findings are significant for women who wish to take hormone replacement therapy for the symptoms of menopause but who may be at risk for a stroke. Read more...
The OSSD issues call for proposals
The OSSD Programs Committee is issuing a call for proposals for symposia at the Fourth Annual Meeting to be held on June 3-5, 2010 in Ann Arbor, MI. The deadline for submitting symposium proposals is May 22, 2009. Please visit the Symposium Proposal Guidelines page to view the specific requirements and submit a proposal.
The OSSD is also accepting late-breaking poster abstracts for the 2009 Annual Meeting. Theses late-breaking abstracts will not be published in the program book but will be distributed at the event. The deadline for submission is April 30, 2009. Please click here to submit an abstract online.
Society Calendar
OSSD Third Annual Meeting
June 4-6, 2009
Toronto, ON
OSSD's Third Annual Meeting will take place on June 4–6, 2009 in Toronto, ON Canada at the Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel. This exciting 3-day meeting will offer scientists from across all biomedical fields the opportunity to present, network, and discuss sex differences research. To view the official agenda, register, book a hotel room, or learn more about the meeting, visit the OSSD website at www.ossdweb.org and click on the 2009 Annual Meeting page.
News Bites
Diuretic may put women at risk
Results from a study focusing on whether loop diuretics increased a woman's risk of falls, broken bones and bone density problems found that women who took these medications for three or more years were at a 16 percent increased risk of suffering a broken bone, when compared with similar women who had not taken the drug. Loop diuretics are commonly used to control blood pressure. Read more...
Electrical Implant Might Help With Bladder Control
For certain women with bladder control issues, an electrical device implanted near the tailbone may provide some relief. A review of trials of the device found that it was effective primarily for patients with symptoms of overactive bladder and with no known obstruction who had failed other methods of treatment. Read more...
Scientists discover way to jumpstart bone's healing process
Orthopaedists may soon have a new tool at their disposable to deal with many common, painful bone ailments including the tens of thousands of painful fractures for which there is no treatment. Results from a new study shown that a drug which was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of osteoporosis can also boost our bodies' bone stem cell production to the point that adults' bones appear to have the ability to heal at a rate typically seen when they were young kids. Read more...
Emerging advances in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke
Stroke is the third leading cause of death for women in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, each year, approximately 55,000 more women than men will have a stroke. Strokes kill more than twice as many women than breast cancer each year and are the leading cause of disability in women. Rarely fatal, often disabling, strokes have a long-term impact on women's productivity, ability to care for families, and independence. Researchers are exploring new methods to treat acute stroke and developing innovative therapies to minimize disability in stroke survivors. Read more...
Rising to the challenge: NIH will use $60 million in recovery act funds
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will commit roughly $60 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support autism research and meet objectives set forth earlier this year by a federal advisory committee. The Request for Applications is the largest funding opportunity for research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to date and, combined with other ARRA initiatives, represents a surge in NIH's commitment to finding the causes and treatments for autism. For a full listing of possible study topics, see the grant announcement listing in the NIH Guide.
Bill would expand health care for female veterans
The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 was introduced by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and would require counseling, improve women's health care programs and provide a pilot program for child care services. According to Sen. Murray, there are approximately 1.8 million female veterans who, according to VA data, are receiving "lower quality care" than men receive. For more information about the bill, click here.
Conflicts of interest in clinical research
Finder's fees, where research sponsors pay members of the research team or clinicians to identify potential participants or for meeting predetermined enrollment targets, are a potential source of conflict of interest in the research process. In a study of IRB policies at 117 medical schools that received NIH funding, Leslie Wolf, an associate professor of law at Georgia State University, found that less than half of the IRB policies discuss finder's fees or bonus payments as conflicts of interest. The study also revealed that that only 26 of the IRBs in the study mentioned potential conflicts when physicians recruit their own patients and that only four percent ask doctors to tell their patients that they are not obligated to participate. Read more...
Amniotic fluid may provide new source of stem cells for future therapies
In a new study to be published in Blood, the journal of the American Society of Hematology, researchers have discovered that amniotic fluid may be a source of embryonic stem cells. Stem cells harvested from amniotic fluid were able to generate blood cells that may be used in future therapies. Read more...
New Study Suggests Rx Estrogen Delivery Through the Skin May Show Safety Benefits as Opposed to Oral Delivery
A study from researchers at NYU Longone Medical Center found that transdermal delivery of estrogen therapy might be safer than estrogen taken orally for women with clotting disorders. These findings are significant for women who wish to take hormone replacement therapy for the symptoms of menopause but who may be at risk for a stroke. Read more...
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